Visa FAQs

1. What is a travel visa?

A travel visa is issued by the government of a foreign country, and this document gives you permission to lawfully enter that destination country. Most visas are stamped or affixed to the traveler’s passport. Visas are typically granted for a specific purpose such as tourism, business, going to school, or establishing a residence. It is each traveler’s responsibility to check the visa requirements for a trip; airlines and hotels are unlikely to convey these requirements to you, but you may be barred from entering your destination if you do not have the proper travel documents. The guidelines and procedures for obtaining a visa are established by the country that issues it, not the US government, and these requirements must be completely and precisely met.

2. What supporting materials will I need to apply for a visa?

The visa requirements vary for each country. In general, however, you will need to complete an application form, send a recent photo of yourself, and submit your actual passport (not just a copy). You physical passport is required to get a visa because this document will be affixed to a blank page in your passport. Certain countries may require additional information and documentation of your trip such as a detailed itinerary, proof of vaccinations and good health, proof of employment, and invitation letters. Countries frequently change their visa requirements, so it is always a good idea to have your travel document needs handled by an expert!

3. Why do I need a visa if I already have a US passport?

A US passport is proof of your citizenship in the United States. This document permits you to re-enter the US after leaving the country for a trip abroad, but a passport alone does not necessarily permit entry into a foreign country. Some countries have a reciprocal visa waiver program with the US, long-standing diplomatic relations, or treaties of trade and commerce so no visa is required for entry, but many countries do not have this relationship, making a visa required in these cases.

4. How will Passport Health Passports and Visas obtain my visa for me?

We will submit all required documents, photos, and applications to the Embassy or Consulate on your behalf. You will not have to visit or correspond directly with the Embassy or Consulate of your destination country(s); we handle all such correspondence for you!

5. How long will it take for my visa application to be processed?

Visa processing times vary by country.

6. I am only transiting through a country. Do I still need a visa?

Many countries do not require a visa if you are only passing through or staying for a very short period of time. However, transit requirements vary by country, so it is best to have an expert check on these requirements for you well in advance of your trip.

7. What is the difference between a tourist visa and a business visa?

Visas are issued to permit travel to a foreign country for a specific purpose, and two of the most common reasons for visiting a foreign country are tourism (i.e. leisure travel) and business.

Tourist Visa
Some countries do not require that US citizens visiting the destination for a short vacation obtain a visa. In these cases, a valid US passport and round-trip plane ticket generally suffice for entry. If a tourist visa is not required, you will likely need to complete a tourist card upon both arrival and departure. The airline will provide this card to you, and you will present it to the customs officer when you arrive. This card authorizes a short stay for the purpose of tourism.

Business Visa
If you are traveling for a commercial or work-related purpose, a business visa may be required. Each country determines the types of activities that necessitate a business visa, but these generally include attending meetings or conferences, visiting customers, conducting research, negotiating contracts, meeting with government officials, gathering market information, and/or discussing regulatory information.

8. What is the difference between a single-entry and multiple-entry visa?

Depending on the treaties that govern visa issuance, a visa may allow entry only once before it expires, or it may permit entry multiple times. A single-entry visa may be used for one visit for the single purpose it was granted for. A multi-entry visa permits multiple trips to the country, but the number of times it may be used before its expiration will be based on the traveler’s nationality and the total number of days the country permits foreign citizens to be inside its borders during a given year.

9. What is an On Arrival Visa?

Certain countries only issue a visa once you physical arrive in that country, and an On Arrival Visa refers to these types of documents.

10. What is consular jurisdiction? Does this impact my visa application?

Consular jurisdiction refers to the geographic area within the US for which a specific Consulate or Embassy has the responsibility of issuing visas. Your visa application may have to be delivered to a specific Embassy or Consulate based on where you reside. These jurisdictional requirements are determined by the country issuing the visa, so they vary by destination.

11. Does Passport Health Passports and Visas guarantee issuance of my visa?

No, we cannot guarantee that your visa will be issued even after all documents are submitted. Although it is a rare occurrence, an Embassy or Consulate can decide not to issue a visa at any time. Should this occur, we will reach out to you to discuss options and next steps.

12. What are the criteria for a photograph submitted with my visa application?

The photo must:

• Have been taken within the past three months
• Have an all white background
• Be printed on high quality photo paper
• Be 2 inches by 2 inches in size
• Provide a full view of your head and be taken from the front

Remember that you cannot smile in the photo.
Do not wear eyeglasses or headwear, unless it is for a religious purpose.
Do not affix your photo to the application; it should not display evidence of adhesive or staples.

13. Are vaccinations required for international travel?

Yes, they can be. Some countries require travelers to show proof of vaccination and/or freedom from disease to be permitted to enter. A travel health specialist may also recommend that additional vaccinations be administered to you. To learn more about the vaccines recommended and required for international travel, please visit www.passporthealthusa.com.